Jwala Gutta

Born: 7 September 1983

She is an Indian professional badminton player.
Beginning in the late 1990s, she represented India at international events in both mixed and women’s doubles.
She has a total of 316 match wins in both the disciplines—the most by any Indian—and peaked at no. 6 in the world rankings.
She has won medals at numerous tournaments on the BWF circuit including a silver at the 2009 Superseries Masters Finals and a bronze at the 2011 World Championships.
She is the first badminton player of Indian to qualify for two events in the Olympics–women’s doubles with Ponnappa and mixed doubles with V. Diju in London.
She is known for her skilled left-handed stroke-play and is one of the very few doubles players to use a forehand service.
In addition to her badminton career, she has been vociferous for the issues she advocates for, ranging from fair treatment in sports, health, and education, women’s empowerment, and gender equality.
She has been listed several times among the topmost inspiring sportswomen of India.
She was awarded the Arjuna Award, India’s second-highest sporting award for her achievements.
She was married to badminton player Chetan Anand from 2005-2011.
She told ESPN that she was contemplating retirement, after entering negotiations for a coaching role for BAI in May 2017.